How to clean your home with lemon and hydrogen peroxide: universal tips

The number of jars and bottles you need to keep your home tidy can sometimes be confusing. At such moments, you want to have one universal product that would solve the maximum number of cleaning tasks.

And experts say that such a product does not just exist – it can be made by hand from environmentally friendly and affordable ingredients. As OBOZ.UA has learned, it is based on only three ingredients: hydrogen peroxide, which can be bought at any pharmacy, ordinary lemon, and water.

How does this cleaning mixture work

Hydrogen peroxide is widely used for its antibacterial, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties. It is also safer than chlorine-containing products such as bleach. In turn, lemon is a powerful natural cleanser. The main substance in its composition is citric acid, which destroys dirt, dissolves grease and lime, and even overcomes rust. Lemon also leaves behind a pleasant aroma. Water serves as a solvent for both substances.

How to make a product from hydrogen peroxide and lemon

To prepare an effective solution of lemon juice and hydrogen peroxide, you need only a few simple steps. First, try to find a dark-colored spray bottle for your mixture, as hydrogen peroxide breaks down faster when exposed to sunlight and heat. For the same reason, keep the solution in a cool, dark place to extend its shelf life.

To make a cleaning spray, mix one cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide with two cups of distilled water in a spray bottle, and then add two to three tablespoons of lemon juice. Screw on the cap and shake the bottle well. The product is ready. It can be applied directly to the surface to be cleaned or sprayed onto a cloth.

How to use the solution correctly

For maximum disinfection effect, allow the solution to work for several minutes. Scientists estimate that hydrogen peroxide takes five minutes of contact to kill most bacteria and disinfect surfaces. Since the substance decomposes into oxygen and water on its own, there is no need to rinse off the hydrogen peroxide after application. Just let it air dry and then wipe the treated area with a clean cloth.

If you need to treat stubborn dirt, such as cleaning tile joints or any crevices, it is better to use a brush to apply the product. Both a special cleaning tool and an old toothbrush are suitable.

Precautions for using a solution of peroxide and lemon

In general, hydrogen peroxide and lemon juice are non-toxic cleaning products. But you should still follow certain safety rules when using them. For example, wear gloves to avoid drying out your hands. Also, be careful - peroxide can be harmful if swallowed or inhaled.

Also, this mixture can discolor some materials. Therefore, if you are not sure how your countertop or plumbing fixture will behave, test the mixture somewhere inconspicuous. Also, do not use the product on marble and other natural stone or clean brass fittings with it. Lemon juice can damage such items.

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